Holiday and Travel Trends for the Over 50s Edinburgh
Holiday choices and travel destinations for the over 50s are as wide-ranging as older people themselves. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, sun, sea, golf, or more, there are unlimited options for both couples, singles and groups as this article explains
David Urquart
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Holiday and Travel Trends for the Over 50s
Travel and the over 50s are now as firmly linked as buckets and spades.
As you might expect ‘over 50s’ holiday destinations’ represent as broad a spectrum of locations and holiday types as you would find in any other age group. However, there are some definite trends worth noting:
First, many over 50s are definitely seeking adventure and ‘experiences’ which is leading them to the current hot favourite, China, and similar relatively unexplored places such as South America, the Arctic /Antarctica, Vietnam and the Himalayas. Linked with this is the trend for much longer holidays – often several months, rather than weeks
Second, many are becoming increasingly disenchanted with air travel (due both to delays and concern for the environment) so European destinations, particularly France, Italy and Scandinavia are seeing a resurgence in popularity, as is cruising.
Third, there is a definite trend for more short breaks rather than long holidays and for the over 50s these will often be higher priced and more ‘experience’ driven than those of younger people. For example, cookery and wine classes, art, music and writing workshops, gardening, sailing or golf are all big favourites - with France, Greece, Portugal and Italy still holding their own as favourite destinations (with courses often being run by ex-pat Brits).
What are the over 50s are looking for in a holiday destination?
There is, of course, a considerable difference between the ‘young’ over 50s who are still working, and the older age group who are retired and have more time to travel (though not necessarily a big budget to do so – not all over 50s are well off). Apart from the traditional two week ‘holiday’ which simply represents a break from work, there are a number of drivers for the over 50s’ choice of destination apart from those mentioned above.
Health– many over 50s are seeking a better climate to alleviate health problems such as arthritis and lung conditions so will be seeking winter sun in the US, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as well as the perennial favourites such as Spain and Morocco.
Visiting families and friends – an increasing trend is for the over 50s to go abroad to meet up with their children who may be working on a gap year abroad, or who have settled temporarily or permanently overseas. Additionally, recent increases in emigration, particularly to Australia and New Zealand are encouraging ‘reunion’ holidays with family members and friends who have relocated.
Possible future retirement destination. Linked to the above two factors, many over 50s are now holidaying in destinations where they may see themselves retiring in future years or where they are investigating the purchase of property as a second home or for rental.
Additional trends:
Three other key points to note are that:
1. the over 50s now spend more time online than younger people so increasingly they are arranging their own bespoke holidays, allowing them to choose their own itinerary and frequently to save money on ‘package’ offerings – both of which are important factors for this age group.
2. singles holidays (not necessarily the same as singles clubs!) is a growth area, either specific over 50s singles holidays or mixed age groups
3. the number of women over 50 who want to travel alone to exotic destinations safely and enjoyably is also growing. This may be combined with taking longer holidays (gap years) or doing some sort of work or volunteering.
Click here to read more helpful advice for the over 50s
As you might expect ‘over 50s’ holiday destinations’ represent as broad a spectrum of locations and holiday types as you would find in any other age group. However, there are some definite trends worth noting:
First, many over 50s are definitely seeking adventure and ‘experiences’ which is leading them to the current hot favourite, China, and similar relatively unexplored places such as South America, the Arctic /Antarctica, Vietnam and the Himalayas. Linked with this is the trend for much longer holidays – often several months, rather than weeks
Second, many are becoming increasingly disenchanted with air travel (due both to delays and concern for the environment) so European destinations, particularly France, Italy and Scandinavia are seeing a resurgence in popularity, as is cruising.
Third, there is a definite trend for more short breaks rather than long holidays and for the over 50s these will often be higher priced and more ‘experience’ driven than those of younger people. For example, cookery and wine classes, art, music and writing workshops, gardening, sailing or golf are all big favourites - with France, Greece, Portugal and Italy still holding their own as favourite destinations (with courses often being run by ex-pat Brits).
What are the over 50s are looking for in a holiday destination?
There is, of course, a considerable difference between the ‘young’ over 50s who are still working, and the older age group who are retired and have more time to travel (though not necessarily a big budget to do so – not all over 50s are well off). Apart from the traditional two week ‘holiday’ which simply represents a break from work, there are a number of drivers for the over 50s’ choice of destination apart from those mentioned above.
Health– many over 50s are seeking a better climate to alleviate health problems such as arthritis and lung conditions so will be seeking winter sun in the US, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as well as the perennial favourites such as Spain and Morocco.
Visiting families and friends – an increasing trend is for the over 50s to go abroad to meet up with their children who may be working on a gap year abroad, or who have settled temporarily or permanently overseas. Additionally, recent increases in emigration, particularly to Australia and New Zealand are encouraging ‘reunion’ holidays with family members and friends who have relocated.
Possible future retirement destination. Linked to the above two factors, many over 50s are now holidaying in destinations where they may see themselves retiring in future years or where they are investigating the purchase of property as a second home or for rental.
Additional trends:
Three other key points to note are that:
1. the over 50s now spend more time online than younger people so increasingly they are arranging their own bespoke holidays, allowing them to choose their own itinerary and frequently to save money on ‘package’ offerings – both of which are important factors for this age group.
2. singles holidays (not necessarily the same as singles clubs!) is a growth area, either specific over 50s singles holidays or mixed age groups
3. the number of women over 50 who want to travel alone to exotic destinations safely and enjoyably is also growing. This may be combined with taking longer holidays (gap years) or doing some sort of work or volunteering.
Click here to read more helpful advice for the over 50s